Deletraz backs himself for future at Haas

Formula Two driver Louis Deletraz believes Haas "sees his potential" with the American side handing him his first test in the current F1 car at Abu Dhabi.

Deletraz, 21, is competing in Formula 2 currently with the Charouz Racing System team, and the Swiss driver sits in 11th in the standings in his second year in F2.

Haas announced at the start of the month that Deletraz would drive in the second day of the post-season test in their VF-18 car.

"(Team owner) Gene Haas, (team principal) Guenther Steiner are sports people and they have a good mentality," Deletraz explained to Autosport. "I think they like the challenge and they see potential in me, they are happy to test me and to see the result and where we can go after that.

"I think Haas has a really good car, they are one of the first teams outside of the top three, so it's something (a deal) we've worked on for a while. The key thing here is I have 42 superlicense points so I am available for it. To validate that you have to do an F1 test."

Deletraz has revealed he is hoping that the chance to dry the VF-18 will show that he is ready to be promoted to the Haas line-up in the near future.

"I hope that's (F1) the next step, next year might be too early, all the seats are taken, but F1 is still the goal," Deletraz said. "The first step is with testing.

"The main focus will be for me to learn the processes of F1 and the car and to be as quick as possible, so that whe I am in the car I will be able to be quick and give proper feedback.

"It's a 2019 tyre test so it's not only about me but about the team. Of course, I want to show my potential and speed, but it's also about working with the whole team, teams are much bigger in F1 and it's about data for them as well.

"They trust me to get in the car and do a good job, and I will learn as much as I can on the day and do my best to help them move forward.'